10 Players Withdraw from Afghanistan National Football Team for Asian Cup Qualifiers

The Afghanistan Football Federation announced that 10 players have withdrawn from the national football team ahead of AFC Asian Cup qualifier matches against Myanmar and Syria.

According to Amu TV and Ariana News, the players are Habibullah Askar, Awis Azizi, Abdanjam Haydari, Mohammad Naim Rahimi, Jabar Sharza, Faisal Ahmad Hamidi, Jamshid Achakzai, Amid Arzu, Tawfiq Sakandari, and Ramin Safi. Pajhwok Afghan News reported that several players had withdrawn. The federation stated that the players cited family problems, security issues in the Middle East, and club injuries or problems as reasons for their withdrawal. It noted that most had initially confirmed their availability but backed out at the last minute.

The federation emphasized that playing for the national team is a national responsibility and a great honor, and it expects players to prioritize the team.

Jose Antonio Noguera, head coach of the Afghanistan national football team, said: "After the two upcoming matches, we will focus more on players inside Afghanistan. Our plan is to select and invite the majority of the national team composition from deserving players inside the country in the future to form a motivated, committed, and available team."

Ariana News reported that Afghanistan's match against Myanmar is scheduled for Thursday in Myanmar, and the match against Syria on Tuesday next week in Saudi Arabia.

The federation assured that efforts to strengthen and rebuild the national team will continue seriously, with future decisions made in the long-term interests of Afghan football.